Obituaries

January 23, 1929 to January 10, 2021

WINAMAC - Fred J. Hefner, 91, of Olympia Fields, IL (formerly of Medaryville) passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, at Palos Heights Rehab Center in Crestwood, IL.

He was born Jan. 23, 1929 in Pontiac, MI to the late Fred G. and Lily Finney Hefner. When he was young, Fred’s parents died from tuberculosis. He and his siblings were raised by family in Galacia, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by:
Gail Morgan, Olympia Fields, IL, Special Friend and Companion
Fred James (Joanne) Hefner, Bureau, IL, Son
Steve (Debbie) Hefner, Steger, IL, Son
Linda (Tom) Castle, Tyler, MN, Daughter
Teresa (Richard) Gaston, Burbank, IL, Daughter
Carol (Mike) Muehe, Steger, IL, Daughter
Tom Hefner, Bradenton, FL, Son
Dennis (fiancée: Nickie) Hefner, Bradenton, FL, Son
Daniel Hefner, Beaverville, IL, Son
Lauretta (Ron) Graska, Park Forest, IL, Daughter
David (Kimberly) Hefner, Monticello, Son
Darren (Shannon) Hefner, Yeoman, Son
53 Grandchildren
79 Great-Grandchildren
10 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis Hefner, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Darlene Hassing Hefner, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Tim Hefner, Son
Bill Hefner, Son
Mildred Trujillo, Sister
Gene Hefner, Brother
Wilma Sinagra, Sister
Betty Roberts, Sister
Arlene Hefner, Sister-in-law
Norma Jean Warren, Special Friend and Companion

Mr. Hefner retired from the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL and was a member of the UAW Local #588. As a teenager in the 1940’s, he once started hitchhiking to Alaska from southern Illinois. He made it as far as the Black Hills, in South Dakota where he got a job for a Mrs. Duhamel. The Duhamels owned several businesses, including Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns. Fred lived on the grounds by himself in a cabin and had various jobs. He proudly fostered positive relationships with local Native Americans. It was during this time, he met his future wife, Darlene Hassing. Needless to say, he had a very adventurous life with no regrets. In 1989, Fred finally made it to Alaska - on a vacation with his family.

He was a member of the Medaryville American Legion Post #96. He was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Medaryville and the Winamac Knights of Columbus Council #1561. He was the loving father of 13 children and 12 foster children. He was the cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather of 155 blessings. He will be remembered as a good friend to many. Eternal rest grand unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen.

A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will be at St. Henry Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School (PO Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326), Boys Town (PO Box 8000 Boys Town, NE 68010), or Covenant House (PO Box 731 New York, NY 10108-0900). Donations may be made online or by mail. The funeral home will have envelopes available the day of services.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.